Cracked Maple opinions

[josharb87]

I've my own opinions on the status of this maple, wondering what yours are? 

The main stem, and subsequent stems have long cracks, what's your VTA opinion be? And suggestion of works?

 

 

[Gary Prentice]

Any pictures illustrating the tree within its surroundings?

[josharb87]

[Gary Prentice]

That goes to explain the torsional cracking, it looks to be in a wind tunnel. 

 

From the photos, I think I'd be looking at a significant canopy reduction at a minimum

[josharb87]

Pretty much my thought too Gary. The customer wants a hard reduction height wise for aesthetics, although i don't see a long term future for the tree so will be leaving a price to fell as well. 

[Gary Prentice]

At the end of the day all you can do is inform the customer. Reducing the sail 'might' allow the tree to enclose the cracks with complete annual rings but also might need further pruning to control its canopy size while it's doing that. If the client understands that there may be further/continuing financial commitment to retain the tree - their decision. 

 

On the other hand, removing and replacing the tree has a disbenefit in the loss of amenity for a number of years until a new tree grows. Another option, if circumstances allow, might be to reduce that, establish another tree nearby and remove the maple when the young tree reaches a decent size.

 

Choices, choices, choices...